Again, Binswanger Glass gives us a head’s up on the power rear slider for the 2010 F-Series Ford Pick-ups. Thank you to Altus Moses from Binswanger Glass for calling this interchange to our attention.

The DB11708 is a heated and powered encapsulated part with three wiring harnesses. The interchange for the DB11708 is the DB11921 or the new DB12147. These parts have only two wiring harnesses.

According to Rod Watson from Carlite Tech Services, the latter two parts need to have a wire spliced to complete the installation. The following are the instructions supplied from Carlite, which are included in every shipping box. Please forgive the quality of the pictures. They have been reproduced several times.

Thanks again to Binswanger Glass and Carlite Tech Services for their help on this issue.

The recent recall of airbags by some automakers has brought to the forefront the relationship between the airbag and windshield. This week I thought I would give you my opinion on this subject.

Some vehicles utilize the bonding and the strength of the windshield to help position the airbag after deployment. In other vehicles, the airbag deploys out the front of the dashboard so the windshield does not play as important a role. However, the majority of vehicles on the road today do rely on the windshield during airbag deployment in some way.

Question: How can urethane be strong enough to deliver SDAT when I know that it is not fully cured?

We know that urethane gains strength the longer it is exposed to humidity. The more humidity the urethane is exposed to, the faster it will cure. Modern urethanes have tensile strengths that exceed 700 psi, with some exceeding 1000 psi when fully cured. Tensile is the strength necessary to meet the FMVSS 208 & 212 requirements. In addition, there are other factors built into the chemistry of urethane adhesives that contribute to the initial strength of the adhesive.

The first generation of airbags exerted approximately 300 psi of force to the inside surface of the glass upon deployment. The new generation is significantly less than that. These facts put together give you the answer. Even with partial cure, the urethane is strong enough to withstand the pressures put upon it during airbag deployment. The only negative result will occur when you couple a poor application of materials with improper installation, which will cause the adhesives to perform improperly.

Adhesive companies and their chemists spend significant time and money testing their products. They know what sticks and what doesn’t. By following their instructions on safe drive away time to the letter, you will assure that your customers are safe.

As I look out the window watching it rain (with predictions of snow this week), I wonder why I do I live here in Wisconsin? Could it be because my family lives here and I want to be near them? Yes. Could it be that I was born and raised here and it feels like home? Yes. Is it that I was raised a Packer and Brewer fan? Yes again.

But one of the reasons I stay is because I enjoy the change of the seasons four times every year. I love the new growth of spring and the warmth of summer. I love the colors of fall and the first blanket of snow in the winter. However, for many of us, the change of season means a change in installation procedures. This week I thought I would remind everyone of the possible changes that may become necessary as temperatures go up and the moisture increases.

First of all, remember that urethane uses moisture to cure. When the temperature rises, the air can hold more actual water droplets, which influences the behavior of your urethane. The “tack-free time” (working time) will be reduced due to the increase of moisture. Because of this, make sure all your preparations are complete before you open the tube of urethane.

Are the primers applied and dry?

Are the moulding clips installed and positioned?

Is the application tip adjusted and ready to go?

How are you handling the gravity stop issue?

Are you enlisting help in setting the glass?

Do you have to setup a setting tool?

Only when these questions are all answered satisfactorily can you apply the bead. Set the glass as soon as possible.

How are you going to store and rotate the stock of urethane? Remember when the temperatures rise, the urethane and supporting products may have to be stored differently to facilitate application and usability of the adhesive. Check your tech sheets to remind yourself of the storage limitations.

You cannot install in a rain storm. Make sure that the CSRs are asking for the availability of shelter on rainy days or have the customer bring it into the shop. Remember that urethane must be applied to a perfectly dry surface. Any dampness on the bonding surface could cause the urethane to not bond properly or “gas out” and cause holes in the cured urethane bead. Yes, moisture is a friend to urethane but excessive moisture can cause bonding problems.

Spring is here and soon will come the flowers and the warm pleasant weather. I hope you all enjoy it. I will enjoy it, too, eventually.